By Trina A. San Agustin
Variety News Staff

GUAM International Airport Authority Police Chief Mark Charfauros said the federal Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, is looking into the recent discovery of a passenger luggage theft ring at the airport.
“This may go to the federal level. When the individuals tampered with the luggage, they un-sterilized the bags. These had bags that were already been inspected and screened by TSA officials,” said Charfauros.
On Tuesday night, airport police arrested four luggage handlers at the Aircraft Service International Group: Orville Tapia, Florencio Bautista, Renato Reburiano and Elvin Ramos Galvez.
Charfauros told Variety that there will be at least three additional arrests sometime today but did not release their names.
“The number of people to be arrested in this case is growing. They are employees of the Aircraft Service International Group,” he added.
GIAA general manager Jess Torres earlier told Variety that the four luggage handlers arrested on Tuesday night are believed to be a part of a group alleged to have stolen personal items from passengers’ suitcases.
The four arrested were all charged with theft of property held in trust, conspiracy, guilt established by complicity, and criminal facilitation.
Airport officials believe the thefts have been going on for two months.
The internal investigation of the alleged theft ring began in December 2006 when air carriers reported that customers were complaining about missing personal items from their luggage.
The four arrested are not GIAA employees but are employed by ASIG, an airport contractor.